The Hamptons-style home has become a staple in the Aussies housing market, especially in coastal areas. Based on the original Hamptons design favoured by New York’s elite, the Hamptons style has since been adapted to suit Australian tastes and conditions and is offered by most builders these days. Let’s take a look at why this style has become so popular in homes and why it may be the right choice for your new home.
Why Choose Hampton’s Style Flooring?
Beyond the ever-growing popularity of Hamptons Homes in general, Hamptons-style flooring can be a valuable addition to your house. The neutral tones make it a versatile design style that will suit a range of furniture layouts and colour schemes. It’s a simple yet elegant look that is timeless, making it a great long-term choice.
Characteristics of Hampton’s Flooring
Light and Airy Color Palette
A trademark of Hamptons style flooring, and Hamptons style in general, is the use of neutral colours to create a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. White and neutral tones are the usual go-tos, but light blues, greens or yellows are sometimes used. Lighter colours help create the illusion of a brighter, more open space, making it an ideal choice for open living areas.
Some people decide to go against the trend and go with darker flooring and it can look great. Be aware this will be a more acquired taste and could limit the scope of your resale market.
Wide Plank Hardwood Floors
Wide planks offer a classic, timeless look to any home and are a perfect choice for a Hamptons-style design. Hardwood gives an air of elegance and warmth to home interiors and helps make your floor a main feature of the room.
Coastal-Inspired Flooring Materials
Another key element of the Hamptons design is the use of natural materials and organic elements. These natural materials tend to be wood, stone or other masonry. Vinyl and tile Timber flooring is especially common in any Hamptons home. Think woods like oak, maple or engineered wood to create an authentic interior design aesthetic.
Hampton’s Style Flooring Design Considerations & Ideas
Timber Flooring
Hardwood flooring suits the luxury yet natural feel the Hamptons look is aiming for. Some of the most popular types of timber flooring ideas include white oak, hickory, and engineered wood.
Tile Flooring
Tiles are ideal for coastal living, whether it’s for sandy feet coming back from the beach or just for their general. The best rooms for a tile floor are the ones where moisture and spills are most likely to happen: the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Tiles can have a uniform colour or incorporate patterns to add a more distinct. Lighter or neutral colours best fit the Hamptons look.
Stone Flooring
Stone flooring has a distinct look and feel that can help add a natural, yet luxurious touch to your home. Common stone choices include marble, limestone and travertine. Be prepared though, stone is one of the most expensive building materials both to purchase and to install. It’s also a material you can’t install yourself and will need to hire a specialist.
Vinyl Tiles
Want the Hamptons style flooring, but think hardwood may be out of your price range? Advancements in technology mean that vinyl can help create a similar feel to timber flooring at a fraction of the price. Not only does it tend to be cheaper in terms of material costs, it’s easy and quicker to install. It’s also easier to clean than hardwood floors. The downside is that laminate tiles won’t add the same level of value to your home as hardwood.
Herringbone Patterns
Herringbone floors add a distinct look to any floor. A herringbone pattern features all tiles laid at a 45 degrees, however, each tile is placed at a 90-degree angle to the one next to it (see picture below). The name comes from the triangular “fishbone” pattern.
Distressed or Weathered Finishes
In the same way jeans or books can gain character when they look worn, tiles can look better with a weathered look. Distressed or weathered finishes deliberately create this worn look to add a casual and relaxed look to your home. Along with natural materials, it can help add character and charm to your overall home.
Matte or Satin Finish
Satin Finish tends to have more of a shinier look than matte. A satin finish will have between 25-35% gloss, whereas matte will have around 5-10%. Satin is usually easier to clean, however, matte is more affordable and durable. Matte provides a more rustic look if that’s the style you’re after. If you’re after a more sophisticated look, you may be better off with Satin
Design Tips for Hampton’s Style Flooring
Creating a Cohesive Look
An aesthetically well-designed floor can be easy to take for granted until you see one that doesn’t suit its surroundings. A Hamptons-style floor should match the coastal, relaxed vibe of the rest of the home. Subdued colours and simplicity will usually trump bold and in your face.
Accentuating Natural Light
Open planning and incorporating natural light into the home are signature traits of a Hamptons home. A lighter colour floor will help maximise the impact of natural light that enters your home. This makes your house look more expansive and inviting.
Balancing Modern and Traditional Elements
Luckily, the Hamptons design has remained pretty timeless. By using natural materials for your flooring, you’ll have a base to add more modern touches. This can include bolder colour choices, embracing open planning and even smart home capabilities.
Hampton’s Style Flooring in Different Room Ideas
Living Areas
Living areas are some of the most used rooms in a house. It’s where the family congregates, where you catch up with friends, and just hang out. Hardwood floors help create a cozy and inviting space and if you use lighter colours, it makes the room easier to adapt. Rugs and furniture are a great way to add a bit of definition and character to the room.
The Bedrooms
Bedrooms should be a relaxing space where you can unwind and rest. Therefore, your colours should help create this atmosphere. Carpet with a neutral tone is a popular choice for any bedroom as it adds a sense of comfort to the room. Wooden floorboards are another choice that can work well.
Kitchen and Dining Areas
Kitchens and dining areas are areas susceptible to high foot traffic, so your flooring choices in these areas need to balance style and practicality. Hardwood flooring, tiles and engineered wood are all sturdy materials that also look stylish.
Hamptons-style flooring can be the perfect foundation for your coastal home.
A Hamptons-style floor can be the perfect addition to your home, whether it’s a Hamptons design or not. Perfect for coastal living or for creating a relaxed atmosphere that still has a luxurious feel, Hampton’s flooring may just be the perfect choice for your dream home.
0 Comments